Karnataka, a state in southern India, has several hydroelectric power generating stations. These stations harness the power of water from rivers in the region to produce electricity. Here are some of the major hydroelectric power stations in Karnataka
| State | River | Hydroelectric Power Plant | Installed Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Kaveri | Shivanasamudra Power House | 42 |
| Karnataka | Shimsha | Shimsha Power House | 17.2 |
| Karnataka | Sharavathi | Lingamakki Dam Power House | 55 |
| Karnataka | Sharavathi | Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Power Station | 139.2 |
| Karnataka | Sharavathi | Sharavathy Generating Station | 1035 |
| Karnataka | Sharavathi | Gerusoppa Dam Power House | 240 |
| Karnataka | Kali | Supa Dam Power House | 100 |
| Karnataka | Kali | Nagjari Power House | 900 |
| Karnataka | Kali | Kadra Dam Power House | 150 |
| Karnataka | Kali | Kodasalli Dam Power House | 120 |
| Karnataka | Mani | Mani Dam Power House | 9 |
| Karnataka | Varahi | Varahi Underground Power House | 460 |
| Karnataka | Krishna | Alamatti Dam Power House | 290 |
| Karnataka | Ghataprabha | Ghataprabha Dam Power House | 32 |
| Karnataka | Bhadra | Bhadra Right Bank Canal Power House | 13.2 |
| Karnataka | Tungabhadra | Munirabad Dam Power House | 38 |
| Karnataka | Mallapura | Mallapura Mini Hydel Scheme | 9 |
| Karnataka | Siriwar | Siriwar Mini Hydel Scheme | 1 |
| Karnataka | Kalmala | Kalmala Mini Hydel Scheme | 0.4 |
| Karnataka | Genikal | Genikal Mini Hydel Scheme | 0.35 |
| Karnataka | Malaprabha | Malaprabha Mini Hydel Scheme | 2.4 |
Karnataka is home to 21 hydroelectric power plants, contributing significantly to the state's energy production. These include major projects like Shivanasamudra, Sharavathy Generating Station, Lingamakki Dam, and Varahi Underground Power House, with a total installed capacity of 3,679.75 MW.
The Shivanasamudra Power House is one of India's oldest hydroelectric projects, located on the Kaveri River. It has multiple units generating 24 MW and an additional 18 MW from smaller units. Known for its historical significance, this plant symbolizes Karnataka's early adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Situated near the Shimsha River in Mandya district, this powerhouse generates 17.2 MW. It effectively utilizes the river’s flow for hydroelectricity, providing sustainable energy to nearby areas.
The Lingamakki Dam Power House, located on the Sharavathi River, contributes 55 MW to Karnataka’s energy grid. This project complements the larger Sharavathy Generating Station, emphasizing efficient natural resource utilization.
This power station generates a total of 139.2 MW (86.4 MW and 52.8 MW from two sets of units). Named after Mahatma Gandhi, it is a vital component of Karnataka's clean energy portfolio.
The Sharavathy Generating Station is Karnataka's largest hydroelectric project with an installed capacity of 1,035 MW. It is powered by the Sharavathi River, meeting a significant portion of the state's energy demands.
Located on the Sharavathi River, the Gerusoppa Dam Power House produces 240 MW. Known for its eco-friendly design, it ensures minimal environmental impact while generating clean energy.
The Supa Dam Power House, situated on the Kali River in Uttara Kannada district, generates 100 MW. It combines technological innovation with scenic surroundings, supporting biodiversity conservation alongside energy production.
With a capacity of 900 MW, the Nagjari Power House is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Karnataka. It plays a crucial role in the state’s renewable energy expansion.
Located on the Kali River, the Kadra Dam Power House generates 150 MW. It is a model for mid-sized hydroelectric plants, combining water management with renewable energy.
The Kodasalli Dam Power House contributes 120 MW of energy, supporting rural electrification and urban power needs. It is recognized for its engineering excellence.
Located in the Western Ghats, the Mani Dam Power House generates 9 MW. Despite its modest size, it showcases the importance of small-scale hydropower in Karnataka.
The Varahi Underground Power House is Karnataka’s first underground hydroelectric project, generating 460 MW using water from the Varahi River. It highlights advanced engineering and significant contributions to the state’s energy infrastructure.
Built on the Krishna River, the Alamatti Dam Power House generates a combined capacity of 290 MW. It supports both irrigation and power generation, making it a multi-purpose project.
Located in Belagavi district, the Ghataprabha Dam Power House generates 32 MW. This medium-scale project supports local development and energy needs.
The Bhadra Right Bank Canal Power House generates 13.2 MW. Its innovative use of canal flows for energy production is a unique feature in Karnataka’s hydropower landscape.
The Munirabad Dam Power House, situated near the Tungabhadra River, generates 38 MW. Its dual-purpose design supports agriculture and electricity production.
The Mallapura Mini Hydel Scheme generates 9 MW and serves rural Karnataka. This small-scale project promotes decentralized energy solutions and electrifies nearby villages.
The Siriwar Mini Hydel Scheme produces 1 MW. Designed for localized power supply, it highlights the potential of small water streams in meeting energy needs.
The Kalmala Mini Hydel Scheme, generating 0.4 MW, demonstrates Karnataka's innovation in using minimal water resources for energy production.
With a capacity of 0.35 MW, the Genikal Mini Hydel Scheme emphasizes the role of small-scale hydropower in serving local electricity demands.
The Malaprabha Mini Hydel Scheme generates 2.4 MW using the Malaprabha River. It supports regional power needs and promotes renewable energy.
Karnataka’s tryst with hydroelectric power began in the early 1900s, with the establishment of the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric station, one of Asia’s first such projects. Over the decades, the state’s initiatives have expanded, building an impressive network of power plants.
Karnataka’s terrain and rivers provide an ideal setting for hydroelectric development. Below are some key projects:
Capacity: 1,035 MW
Location: Jog Falls
Details: This flagship project supplies a significant portion of Karnataka’s energy needs.
Capacity: 2,000 million cubic metres
Special Features: Integral to the Sharavathi project and flood control efforts.
Capacity: 1,500 MW
Environmental Role: Ensures ecosystem balance while generating power.
| Source | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Solar | Low maintenance, abundant supply | Weather-dependent |
| Wind | High efficiency in suitable areas | Noise and visual pollution |
| Biomass | Utilises waste effectively | Limited scalability |
The first hydroelectric power plant in Karnataka was the Shivasamudram Hydroelectric Power Station (also called the Shimsha Power Station), which began operations in 1902.
Some of the main hydroelectric power stations in Karnataka are: Shivasamudram Power Station Supa Hydroelectric Power Station Linganamakki Power Station Varahi Power Station Sharavathi Power Station
The highest source of electricity in Karnataka comes from hydroelectric power, followed by thermal power and wind energy.
The Sharavathi Hydroelectric Power Project was the second significant hydroelectric project constructed in Karnataka, after Shivasamudram, and it began operations in 1965.
The Sharavathi Hydroelectric Power Station is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Karnataka.
William George Armstrong is credited with pioneering the concept of hydroelectric power by creating the world’s first hydroelectric station at Cragside, Northumberland, in 1878. However, large-scale hydroelectric power stations, such as the Niagara Falls Power Station, are often attributed to Nikola Tesla.
William George Armstrong is credited with pioneering the concept of hydroelectric power by creating the world’s first hydroelectric station at Cragside, Northumberland, in 1878. However, large-scale hydroelectric power stations, such as the Niagara Falls Power Station, are often attributed to Nikola Tesla.
It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and utilises renewable water resources sustainably.
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